Amaravati capital plan: AP Cabinet clears resolution seeking legal status, Assembly vote on March 28

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday cleared a resolution to seek statutory recognition for Amaravati as the State capital, to be tabled in a special Assembly session on March 28.

Resolution to be debated in Assembly

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The government plans to hold a four-hour discussion in the Assembly before adopting the resolution and forwarding it to the Union Government.

Amendment to Reorganisation Act

The State will seek an amendment to Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to formally recognise Amaravati as the capital city.

The Cabinet also decided to amend the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Act by replacing the term ‘new State capital’ with ‘Amaravati’ to remove any legal ambiguity.

Centre asks for fresh resolution

The Union Government has advised the State to pass a fresh Assembly resolution to avoid future legal or technical complications.

After the resolution is adopted and sent, the Union Cabinet is expected to consider it. An official announcement on Amaravati’s status is likely during the ongoing session of Parliament.

CM Naidu bats for introduction of bill

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been pressing the Centre to grant statutory status to Amaravati. During his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this year, he urged that a Bill be introduced in Parliament to formalise the capital’s status.

He has maintained that legal recognition is essential for policy certainty, faster development, and boosting investor confidence in the State.

Farmers seek assurance

Farmers who pooled land for the capital region have also been demanding legal sanctity for Amaravati. They believe formal recognition would safeguard their interests and validate their contribution to the project.

Political backdrop

Amaravati has remained at the centre of political debate since its inception. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the capital in 2015 during the previous TDP government.

However, after the YSR Congress Party came to power in 2019, capital development works were halted and a three-capital model was proposed, with Amaravati designated as the legislative capital.

Renewed push after 2024

Following the TDP-led coalition’s return to power in 2024, the State government revived Amaravati’s development as the sole capital. The Centre also re-launched capital works last year, signalling renewed momentum.

Focus on long-term stability

The State government believes that granting statutory status to Amaravati will bring administrative clarity, attract investments, and ensure long-term development.

The special Assembly session on March 28 is expected to be a crucial step in determining the future of Andhra Pradesh’s capital.